The Secret Garden

I had a much-needed relaxing day today. After one of those blissfully lazy Sunday mornings, I decided to visit the historic market town of Haddington, one of my favourite destinations when I want to have a bit of a wander.

Near the river, there's a long, narrow path and a heavy wooden door that lead to a walled garden. I've always called it the 'Secret Garden' because, if you didn't know it was there, you might easily miss it. Today the shrubs that line the path were all well-trimmed, but often in the summer they're all a bit overgrown, leaving the door well-hidden.

St Mary's Pleasance Garden (its proper name!) is tucked behind the 17th-century Haddington House, and has been restored to include a range of trees and plants that would have been grown in Scotland at the time the house was built.

Among other things, the 1.59-acre garden includes a small wildflower meadow, an orchard, a sunken garden and a pleached laburnum path.